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Accused of Medicare or Medicaid Fraud in Los Angeles? What Penalties Could You Face?

Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Jun 28, 2021 | 0 Comments

Healthcare fraud occurs when a patient or medical professional makes false statements on an insurance claim or falsely bills Medicare, Medicaid, state healthcare services, or a private insurer for financial gain. Depending on the circumstances, a person charged with healthcare fraud could face federal penalties, state penalties, or the suspension or revocation of their professional or medical license. If you or a loved one have questions about the potential consequences of a healthcare fraud conviction in California, here's what you need to know.

Federal Charges vs. State Charges

In Los Angeles, the authorities may accuse a person of federal or state-level insurance fraud. If the matter involves a federal healthcare insurance program like Medicare or Medicaid, you'll most likely face federal charges. If the incident concerns Medi-Cal or the like, you'll likely face state-level penalties.

Federal Penalties

Several federal statutes criminalize health care fraud. These laws including the:

The penalties for a federal conviction can include a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of $250,000. If the violation resulted in serious bodily injury, the maximum confinement increase to 20 years. If it resulted in death, there is even a possibility of life in prison.

State Level Penalties

If the state charges you with a fraud claim valued at $950 or less, it's charged as a misdemeanor. The penalties can include a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum jail term of six months. If the state values the fraud claim for $950 or more, it's considered a wobbler offense. This means the prosecutor has the authority to charge the matter as a misdemeanor or felony offense. A felony healthcare fraud conviction can carry a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years and a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud.

Whether it's on the state or federal level, the penalties you face for healthcare fraud can have a lasting impact on your future. You don't want to face these charges alone. The Sigal Law Group has a reputation for successfully defending clients against fraud charges in the Los Angeles area. If you need help, call us at (818) 325-0570 to schedule a free consultation in your matter today.

About the Author

Vitaly Sigal

Vitaly Sigal Sigal Law Group Owner 355 S. Grand Ave, Suite 2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 620-0212 Vitaly Sigal has extensive trial experience and is not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. From straightforward to complex litigation, Mr. Sigal handles every case with the same i...

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